The fight to end slavery was undoubtedly the longest and most bitter dispute in American history. Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation in 2013, American Experience will premiere the broadcast of a three-hour special series, "The Abolitionists," on PBS. “The Abolitionists” brings to life for today’s viewers the men and women who fought for the end of slavery. Through dramatic reenactments, this film tells the story of how Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, and their abolitionist allies Harriet Beecher Stowe, John Brown, and Angelina Grimke turned an unpopular fringe movement against slavery into a force that changed the United States. The three one-hour episodes of “The Abolitionists” premiere January 8, 15, & 22, 2013, nationally on PBS's American Experience. To view a sneak preview, click here[6]. To watch an interview on the making of the film, click here[7].

Along with the broadcast, American Experience is also unveiling a new interactive app [8]that documents and maps the abolitionist efforts across the country.

Executive Producer: Sharon Grimberg

Writer, Producer, and Director: Rob Rapley

Co-Producer: Kathryn Lord

WGBH received a Production grant [9]for a documentary film about the abolitionists.